An Outer Banks native, Courtney Hathaway has been providing Family Beach Portrait and Destination Wedding Photography services on the Outer Banks for over 10 years. Learn how you can have your Outer Banks memories preserved!

Last week I had the chance to meet up with Julie, Chip, and their kids at Coquina Beach for their Outer Banks Beach Portraits. After a string of bad weather we were blessed with some really cool 75 degree days, which was heaven in the middle of summer! Gorgeous lighting, no wind, and even less humidity – it was the perfect night on the beach!

The couple that sweats together stays together….at least that’s what I kept reminding Lizzy & Joe during their Outer Banks Engagement Session! I’m not sure we could have had more sticky hot weather than we did this day but they were such troopers and powered through the heat (and sweat!) to tough it out together. Downtown Manteo is one of my most favorite spots for photographing and Lizzy & Joe’s session reminds me why! So many adorable little nooks and crannies that make the perfect backdrops. Lizzy & Joe are getting married this fall at The Crown Jewel, a Kill Devil Hills event home, and we couldn’t be more excited to capture their love story!

I got to meet up with Kylynn and her family last week in Corolla during their OBX Vacation to capture her Outer Banks Senior Portraits.

To say it’s been a rough summer for weather would be an understatement, and I was SO thankful we had such a gorgeous night of weather. It might have been hot, but that golden light we got right before sunset was amazing! Kylynn was so much fun to work with, and just a ball of sunshine and energy the whole session. She has dreams of attending college in Hawaii, and I know without a doubt wherever she goes she will do big things!

I loved getting to work with these two, because they are so sweet and laid back. They’re the kind of couple who instantly feel like friends you can sit around and talk with for hours! Brandon’s parents actually live here on the OBX, and their neighborhood beach was the backdrop for their beautiful ceremony! The girls started their day at the salon before heading back across to Budleigh to get ready, while the guys were just down the street at the Tranquil House Inn. The day was not without a little excitement, as one groomsmen had to leave early…but with good reason! He became a new dad the very same day! I know they were sad to see him go, but so happy for the newest arrival!

One thing I love is when couples opt for a First Look! It brings so much more relaxation and a sense of calm to the wedding day. We photographed Ashley & Brandon’s First Look right outside of Budleigh before being joined by their bridal party for photos around the waterfront. They even took a moment to have a quite toast just the two of them! A quick stop back inside for some AC it was off to Heritage Point for the ceremony and back to 108 Budleigh to enjoy dinner and dancing with their friends and family! They had so many personal touches from their shell centerpieces to the custom koozies. My most favorite part was the dessert table – which is heaven for a girl like me who isn’t a huge fan of cake! I’m so glad I was able to capture their love story!

Beth’s Outer Banks Senior Portraits were one for the books! We had the most gorgeous day at the Bodie Island Lighthouse and Coquina Beach. It can be hard for a girl outside…wind, bugs, sand….but she handled it all with ease! We started our session at the Bodie Island Lighthouse – on the porch of the light keepers house, before venturing down the old wooden walkway. From there we headed across the street to Coquina Beach, which is absolutely without a doubt my most favorite beach for photographing! The night was gorgeous with some of the best golden light! Perfect for tucking into the dunes. Beth opted for three different outfits, each one perfect for the setting. I love dresses, but it’s always a smart idea to have a shorts/pants option – especially on the beach! She couldn’t have made better choices. I loved getting to spend time with her and her mom out on the beach and know she has a bright future ahead!